How to pull off an environmentally friendly destination wedding
There is something super romantic about the idea of escaping to a new. These exciting country for your wedding. Perhaps you both love to travel and want to make the most of the opportunity. Or maybe you have always dreamed of getting married barefoot on the beach, warm sand between your toes. The photographs will certainly look fantastic.
There is something super romantic about the idea of escaping to a new and exciting country for your wedding. Perhaps you both love to travel and want to make the most of the opportunity. Or maybe you have always dreamed of getting married barefoot on the beach, warm sand between your toes. The photographs will certainly look fantastic.
If sustainability is also a priority for you, then the chances are that you’ll have already thought. About how you can make your big day eco-friendly. Whilst a destination wedding can take a little more work to keep the planet in mind. With a bit of care, you can make sure that you have the environmentally friendly destination wedding of your dreams. Here’s how.
Think about travel
One of the biggest culprits when it comes to destination weddings is travel. Whilst a guest list for a destination wedding tends to naturally be smaller. As not everyone can afford or get the time off for a trip abroad. You’re still likely to have a handful of friends and family coming to see you tie the knot.
Your transport options really depend on where you live, and where you’re getting married. If at all possible, look into public transport, such as the train. Especially if you’re heading to Europe, you’ll find that there are options to get across. The continent without getting on a plane. Of course, it will take longer – but the BBC estimates that taking the Eurostar. For example, produces 6g of C02 per km, whereas a long haul flight produces 102g. Plus another 93g of secondary effects.
If you do fly, for convenience or logistics, consider carbon offsetting your flights and those of your guests.
Keep it small
Not only does keeping your guest list small reduce your carbon footprint from travel. But it also minimises the effect on other industries, too. Think about it – every guest you invite has to travel, potentially buy a new outfit for the wedding itself. As well as buying holiday wear and travel bottles of toiletries and suncream. If you don’t buy from local suppliers when you’re out there and only eat in-resort. Then you’re diverting your money from local stores to large hotel chains. (unless you stay in a locally run hotel, of course).
Keeping your guest list small is a better choice for a relaxed, intimate vibe, as well as best for the planet.
Smart clothing choices
If the environment is important to your lifestyle, the chances are that you’re already wearing an ethically sourced engagement ring. You can take this ethos and let it inspire your clothing choices for your wedding day, too.
If you’re getting married in a different type of climate to your home, the chances are that you’ll not wear your wedding outfit again very often. So, consider buying a vintage dress or renting your outfits, which is better for the environment as you’re using already existing resources. You can even encourage your guests to do the same, especially if you’re opting for a more relaxed dress code.
